Ismail J. Ramsey, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of California
Andrew Alvarado, a member of a Salinas-based Norteño gang, admitted guilt in federal court to involvement in a racketeering conspiracy and a conspiracy to commit murder. The charges stemmed from his role in the "Murder Squad," which was implicated in a string of violent acts in early 2017.
Alvarado, aged 34, was one of several people indicted by a federal grand jury in October 2020. He belonged to a violent sect under the Nuestra Familia prison gang, referred to as the "Murder Squad," known for executing elaborate, military-style attacks on rival gang members.
Court documents detailed the squad's activities, which involved "hunts," where they pursued rivals with complex logistics using two primary vehicles: a shooter vehicle and a security/spotter vehicle. These vehicles maintained communication and coordinated attacks by identifying, targeting, and executing their victims, followed by evasive tactics to escape law enforcement.
During his plea, Alvarado acknowledged participating in six hunts from January to May 2017, acting as a shooter in three incidents leading to multiple fatalities and injuries. He was also in a spotter vehicle for three other operations. His participation in violent actions elevated his status within the gang.
The announcement of Alvarado's guilty plea was made by Acting United States Attorney Patrick D. Robbins and HSI Special Agent in Charge Tatum King. Previously, five co-defendants pleaded guilty to similar charges and received sentences ranging from 25 to 41 years in September 2024.
Alvarado remains detained, awaiting a sentencing hearing set for July 15, 2025. He could face a life sentence and substantial fines for the offenses committed. The determination of his sentence will rely on the evaluation of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and federal laws regarding sentencing.
This case is part of an investigation conducted by the Violent Crime Strike Force under the OCDETF. The operation aims to dismantle major criminal organizations by integrating law enforcement expertise at different levels.
The case is handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys George Hageman and Mari Overbeck, with support from staff members Nina Burney and Lakisha Holliman. The initiative results from an extensive investigation carried out by HSI and the Salinas Police Department.
